[[email protected]]

Needing to remove my Model T steering wheel from a '49 column. There's only one bolt and no other holes, so conventional pullers are out. I've tried using a 3" adjustable arm puller, but the radius' around the wheel arms and center keep me from getting any good grip.

This is kinda hard to describe to someone who isn't familiar with a Model T steering wheel. I've mentioned this to friends, and I get that "Why-doncha-use-a-steering-wheel-puller?" look on their face, until I took one over and let him play around with it for 20 minutes until he said "I see what you mean".

Aside from making some sort of fabricated puller (which I'm not opposed to), I am hoping that someone else has had this experience and can share advice. I'd hate to torque on the wheel unbeknownst that I missed the removal of a ring or clip.

Thanks again for the hot rod help, I hope everyone has a great Christmas!

 

[Frisco]

Needing to remove my Model T steering wheel from a '49 column. There's only one bolt and no other holes, so conventional pullers are out.

The hub on the Model 'T' steering wheel has an internal taper and a keyway.

As far as I know all manufacturers in '49 (you didn't say what make) used a splined shaft for the steering wheel hub. If this is what you have; the wheel has been forced on the shaft and will be difficult to remove.

However, to remove the steering wheel if installed on a tapered shaft is simple. Loosen the single nut so that the face of the nut is flush with the end of the threaded shaft. This is to prevent mushrooming the shaft. Using a brass or aluminum punch and a hammer, hold the punch against the top of the nut/shaft and strike sharply with the hammer. This will shock the steering wheel loose from the taper fit. Remove the nut and the steering wheel and the woodruff key. Sometimes some upwards pressure (use your knees) applied to the bottom of the steering wheel while striking the punch will help break everything loose.

 

[[email protected]]

Thank you for your response. The steering column is a '49 Ford but I am unsure what it came out of. I've greased up the column, threaded out the nut and whacked on it pretty good with a deadblow, but didn't get any results.

If it's a splined shaft, is it a matter of using force to get the wheel off? If that is the case, I don't mind making some sort of puller, because I'd hate to damage the column by going caveman with a hammer.

Thanks again for your input,

J